STOCKTON - A standout athlete from Edison High School is wanted on suspicion of homicide after investigators linked him to a deadly shooting last week in east Stockton, authorities said.

Keith Denegal Jr., 17, is wanted in the slaying of Jesus Mendoza, a 23-year-old church minister who was struck by a stray bullet May 6 on East Main Street as he drove home to his wife and their 20-month-old daughter, police said.

Denegal is described as a black teen, 5 feet 8 inches tall and 130 pounds, authorities said, but a 2013 Edison football roster lists him at 5 foot 10 and 160 pounds.

Investigators believe Denegal is one of two males seen firing handguns toward East Main Street in surveillance video footage that was released last week, said Officer Joe Silva, a spokesman for the Stockton Police Department.

The video shows multiple shots fired, including one that passed through Mendoza's windshield and struck him in the head, police said.

"Ever since the release of the video, detectives received several tips, and from these tips they were able to connect Keith Denegal Jr. to the shooting death of Mr. Mendoza," Silva said. "Detectives believe Keith Denegal Jr. is still in the Stockton area, and he is considered armed and dangerous. If anyone sees him, we are encouraging them to call 911 immediately."

Edison football coach Andre Horace reacted with disbelief Tuesday after learning that Denegal was wanted on suspicion of homicide. Police released Denegal's name and photograph shortly before 6 p.m. Within minutes, his photo was being widely circulated on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

"I don't understand," said Horace, adding that he last saw Denegal at school Friday. "I'm shocked. I don't know what to say. From my experience with Keith, he's a very genuine young man who doesn't say much and has an infectious smile. I don't see how this could be true."

Denegal is a junior who was a second-team All-Tri-City Athletic League football player in 2013, Horace said. He also participated in track and field.

Denegal played multiple positions for the football team last season, including running back and linebacker and was expected to be one of the team's top players as a senior this fall.

"He's one of the more talented kids that I've coached, and this year was going to be the year that he could showcase his talent," Horace said. "He's very athletic and, academically, he's in the ballpark, so with a good senior year, if he improved academically and performed on the field, he would have a shot of going somewhere (to play college football)."

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Stockton Police Department at (209) 937-8377, the Investigations Unit at (209) 937-8323 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600. Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards up to $10,000. Callers can remain anonymous.

Cellphone users can text information to 274637 (CRIMES) by entering the keyword "TIPSPD" followed by their tip. Internet users can visit the Police Department's Facebook page and click "Submit a Tip."

Contact reporter Jason Anderson at (209) 546-8279 or janderson@recordnet.com. Follow him at recordnet.com/crimeblog and on Twitter @stockton911.